The Lagos Waste Management Authority, has shut Oke-Odo Market, near Ile-Epo, Abule Egba, over illegal waste disposal and gross environmental misconduct.
This was announced by the Managing Director, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, on Wednesday.
LAWMA had two days ago shut Oyingbo and Alayabiagba Markets, on Mainland council of the state over unhealthy environment.
Gbadegesin explained that the move became imperative to make them adhere to environmental laws and regulations, and to warn defaulting markets around the state, to do the needful or risk a closure.
He said, “The closure of Oke-Odo Market underscores LAWMA’s commitment to ensuring that public spaces meet the required cleanliness standards. We will not compromise on the health and well-being of residents.”
The Managing Director, disclosed that the decision was a significant stride in LAWMA’s efforts to sanitise the state, ensuring that public spaces are conducive for business activities and safe for all residents.
He further said that the closure of the market served as a stark reminder that compliance with cleanliness standards was not negotiable.
“This action is part of a broader initiative by LAWMA to create awareness and enforce sanitation regulations across various markets in the state.
“Markets that do not meet the prescribed cleanliness standards will face similar consequences as Oke-Odo Market.”
Gbadegesin then called on the market operators and stakeholders to take the action as a wake-up call to institute robust cleanliness practices within their premises.
“LAWMA remains dedicated to providing guidance and support to markets striving to comply with the sanitation regulations”, he said.
The LAWMA boss, equally urged residents and business owners to embrace current efforts of the Authority to establish a more hygienic and livable environment across the metropolis, adding that a clean environment was not just an aesthetic concern but a fundamental aspect of public health.
He enjoined the populace to seek the services of assigned Private Sector, Participant operators, instead of resorting to disposing of their waste indiscriminately, adding that LAWMA would not hesitate santion markets or individuals that violate environmental laws in the state.
Commenting on the waste management related issues, he urged the public to call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 617 and 07080601020.
